Chapter 3

Kayla's pov

Even though I had spoken those explosive words the bodyguards remained unfazed, they were waiting for instructions from their boss. 

“Let her in.” I heard a deep voice echo from the room—magnetic, without any discernible emotion.

At the center of the room sat Zach, his imposing presence filling the space. Despite the weariness in his eyes, his gaze alone brought a sense of pressure. A few glamorous women were seated beside him, casually sipping drinks.

I was momentarily taken aback by his gaze, but quickly regained my composure. 

Reality hit me when I realized how stupid I was thinking talking to her husband would change anything. 

I realized that I may just be overreacting over nothing. Maybe they were just having a harmless conversation as friends so it might be better I speak to Justin first before jumping into conclusions.

The private room was vast and lavish, I couldn't help but feel the stark contrast in our social standings. Perhaps couples like them—rich and powerful—were the type who turned a blind eye to infidelity. Zach, too, seemed to fit the profile. His shirt collar had lipstick marks on it.

“I don't think I should be here.” I said ready to leave.

“Why? Didn't you come in here screaming at the top of your voice that you want to talk to me about your husband and my wife, why are you leaving without saying anything?” I was speechless.

“I know your type, what people like you do is try to blackmail rich people but my family is different. If you go out spreading stupid rumors about my wife, I will make sure you suffer the consequences.” 

I was enraged by his attitude. "With a husband like you, it’s no wonder women stray in marriage.” 

“I do not know you or the reason why you are here but one thing I know for sure is that my wife would never do anything like that, she was raised with morals, and she has strong principles. I can't say the same for you who reeks of alcohol, I think it will be a good thing if you take teaching from my wife.” I was so upset not at him but at myself for even coming here in the first place.

I was about to leave when the bar attendant dropped a bottle of wine on his table, just that bottle can buy the gallery.

“They're wealthier than I imagined.” I muttered while looking at the bottle of wine.

I had encountered people like Ella and Zach before—those born into wealth, arrogant and seeking thrills. I stormed out of the room angrily.

*********

I couldn't stop pacing around as I was checking the time, Justin hadn't returned by this time of the night. His delay was making me sure that he is definitely hiding something from me. 

This is the third time he'd stayed out late, supposedly for work. I was so upset that I had to go to sleep. I didn't make him a meal nor did I make any hangover soup for him in case he returns drunk.

After trying several times I still couldn't fall asleep. Just then I heard the sound of his car driving into the compound. I had to pretend like I was asleep. 

He walked into the room and gently sat on the couch. I opened my eyes a little so that I could see his face. The moment he came inside I closed my eyes immediately.

He went into the bathroom for a shower. After taking a shower, he quietly climbed on the bed, careful not to disturb me. He kissed my forehead, tucked me in, and gently held me. 

Justin was as tender and considerate as always. If I hadn’t seen their chat history, I might still believe that he was fully present in our marriage.

Tears slipped down my cheeks again.

********

The next morning.

I didn't make breakfast because I didn't see the need to anymore. “Good morning.” He pecked me again, this time I cleaned my cheek immediately.

I needed him to know that things aren't the way they used to be anymore.

“I guess you were too tired to make breakfast.” I didn't respond. I haven't spoken to him today, even though he has tried talking to me several times.

I was about to ask him a question when my phone rang.

“I'll just go get us something.” Justin said and walked out of the house. I watched him leave and I could see the walls separating us getting wider. 

“Good morning mom.” I greeted Lucy, my mother in law with a bright smile on my face.

Lucy has always been kind to me, even when my mother worked as a maid in the Cooper household, and later, when I married Justin. Lucy had never shown any prejudice against me, offering her full support.

In fact, Lucy was more considerate than my own mother, Haley.

“Honey, are you home? Uncle Johnny brought some fresh beef over. I'll bring you some longhorn steak, I know it's your favorite.” My face lit up a little when I heard how sweet she sounded.

“Sure, love you, mom.” I had a faint smile on my face, but my voice cracked with emotions which she probably noticed. 

“Kyla are you okay?” The moment she asked, the tears I was struggling to keep in couldn't be stopped anymore. 

“Is Justin home?” Lucy asked, sounding very worried. 

“Mom, I'm fine.” I struggled to tell her before ending the call. After the call I realized it would be better if I took action instead of wallowing in pain.

Justin told me he has a date later with his investors, so I went through Ella's socials and realized she had lots of followers and they loved her relationship with her husband. She would be going live by 8:00pm so I followed her on all her socials.

“I will make sure you regret messing with my family.” I muttered angrily. And sipped my glass of juice while waiting for a follow back from her.

********

After waiting for a few hours Justin didn't return. Instead he sent a message and a dispatch brought my breakfast. 

I decided to read the message he sent, and I felt my heart shattering while I was reading the message he sent. Apparently he had already booked a hotel where he would dress up for the date because he didn't want to drive a long distance. 

Once again we are growing very distant from each other. 

The live stream had started. It was set in a dimly lit, upscale restaurant that I couldn't recognize. Since the Copper family’s bankruptcy, I have been mindful of controlling my spending and debt. I haven't been to a fancy restaurant with Justin in a long time.

The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, with candles and flowers on the table. The table wasn’t large, just the size for two people.

Ella was chatting and interacting with her fans. She had 200,000 followers and shared her daily work routine and art creations.

While all this was going on I decided to call Justin, His personalized ringtone played for two seconds before the call ended.

“Hey, I’m talking with a client. I’ll be home later," Justin texted. I read the text while fuming but I chose not to react and just watch the Livestream.

The live stream continued while I was patiently waiting for Justin to return home, I unintentionally dozed off while I was waiting.  

In my dream, I was back with Haley on my birthday. Haley had punished me, saying I can’t eat because I didn’t rank first in my studies. And Justin had secretly brought me a cake, and we played games and made wishes in the dark, damp servant’s quarters. We shared the same birthday and my old wish had always been to be with Justin.

I woke up to find it was already 3 AM, and Justin still hadn’t returned. I felt a chill in her heart.

I immediately went back to the live stream and realized it had already ended but there was a snapshot going around the internet, there was a man that kissed her foot. Every other person thinks it's her husband but I could clearly recognize the person to be Justin.

My suspicion is clear now, they're really having an affair. I covered my mouth with my hand still in shock about this reality. I can't believe he did such a thing to me.

I didn't know how I got through the rest of the night. Justin didn’t return until morning, wearing a new jacket and holding my favorite breakfast.

He seemed surprised to see me, and for a brief moment, guilt flashed in his eyes, I could feel it. 

“I know everything.” I said to him calmly, I was also surprised to see how calm I sounded. 

“What are you talking about Kyla?” He blinked several times trying to deny the truth.

“You were with her last night.” 

Justin froze. He knelt in front of me, taking my hand in his. "How do you know about Ella? I had dinner with her yesterday. She’s the manager of the XX Fund and can decide which artists are chosen for our gallery," He explained.

“I promise it was just dinner. You know, the selection is crucial for the artists we’ll be able to represent. It’s very important,” Justin added.

“And you kissed her foot?” Tears welled down my eyes.

Justin fell silent immediately, when he heard what I said. “Justin, I have done everything to keep this marriage together and this is what I get in return?”

“I'm sorry, I made a mistake.” He apologized holding onto my clothes. He seemed panicked when he saw me in tears, but I just couldn't forgive his actions.  

“You know I love you Kyla, this wouldn't have happened if she didn't seduce me, you know I would never do such a thing to you.”

“You did it Justin, and you lied to me! You constantly lied!”

“It was just a one time mistake! Please.” Justin panicked, he feared losing me unknowing to him that he already lost me.

“Let's end it, I'm filing for a divorce.” I wiped my tears like I was no longer hurting.

“No, it's better you stay with Sally and cool off, we can't divorce.” 

“I made my decision Justin.” I concluded and turned away, unexpectedly I fainted.